STANDARD COLORS FOR NATURAL SPRING SERIES

These colors are standard across most of the Self-Watering Planters. They are achieved with high quality paint finishes, powder coat finishes, or carefully matched blended pigments, depending on the product. Some products and materials, when marked, will only be available in a limited range of these standard colors.
                               
The following colors have an associated color number.  That number corresponds to a standard Pantone® (PMS) color. If you are in doubt how a color will actually appear, refer to a physical Pantone color selector.  The varying materials and finishes will have different sheens (think of concrete vs. polyethylene plastic), so the actual colors may vary slightly from the Pantone® standard.

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Coronado Boxes

Window Boxes with Built-In Irrigation
Maintaining window boxes has never been easier!. Coronado Box window boxes are easy to hang, incredibly, and with our container irrigation system, require filling just every 2-3 weeks. The versatile design and availability in a range of sizes makes them perfect in a variety of commercial applications ranging from high-density residential to hotels & resorts.

The Coronado Box is available without container irrigation for conventional applications, or with a double-wall vacuum-sensor reservoir system for hard-to-plumb locations. The overflow drainage adapter standard on all exterior container irrigation products keeps irrigation water in, but allows excess rainwater out. The window boxes are made of fiberglass and resin materials, and will last for years without rotting or decomposing.

Features of the Coronado Box
unique container irrigation system allows minimal maintenance without requiring irrigation plumbing.
Commercial-grade durability – will not rot, corrode, or leak. Designed to last the life of the project.
Simple, flexible hanging system. – standard brackets can be used in most situations, custom brackets designed for unique applications.
Color Scheme: same color scheme as the Standard Natural Spring Series

How Coronado Boxes with Container Irrigation Work
The Coronado Box with container irrigation is a double wall system that holds 2-3 weeks worth or water. The reservoir is hand-filled, then closed with a stopper, creating a vacuum-tight system.

When the soil is dry (indicating the plants and flowers need water), the moisture sensor allows air to pass through the tube into the reservoir, allowing water to flow into the container from a series of openings in the bottom of the planting area. The water wicks up through the soil, irrigating the plants.

As the soil becomes moist, the sensor (planted in the soil 1/3 to _-way down the container) absorbs water. When wet, it acts like a valve, blocking the flow of air through the tube. A vacuum is created above the reservoir, preventing further watering until the soil begins to dry.

The overflow drainage adapter allows excess water that builds up (typically rainwater) to escape without disrupting the system. Shallow plantings (liners, 6-packs and the like) may need to be top-watered initially to encourage their roots to grow into the moisture zone. Click Installation Manual.

CORONADO BOX BASE COLOR

** When paying by Money Order or Check (subject to clearance), . Please add Ground Shipping & handling to cost of products. Credit Card Add 3% to total. Inquire for discount schedule on volume purchases. Since we're a high volume distributor, we're passing the savings to you. Please allow a minimum of 2 weeks lead time to process your order as these planters are made to order. Returns will not be honored unless the product is deemed defective by the manufacturer.

Coronado Boxes without irrigation have the same overall dimensions as those with irrigation.

Coronado Box Accessories & Spare Parts
Wall-Mount Brackets – Small, simple and inexpensive, these 3" x 3" brackets can be used anywhere there is a solid wall to mount against. Use one per linear foot of Coronado Box. _" Mounting hole, anchor not included. Please inquire for pricing.

CWS Planter Liners

With CWS Planter Liners construction of planter walls is simpler than ever – no irrigation or plumbing required. They may be used in both exterior and interior applications, and are ideal when conventional irrigation isn’t possible or practical. They may be dropped into window boxes, or painted and used on their own. For longer runs and within planter walls they are typically installed modularly, end to end. For interior applications CWS Planters Liners require no drainage.

How CWS Planter Liners Work

CWS Planter Liner vacuum-sensor reservoir surrounds the planting area, and is filled by hand every 1-2 weeks for exterior applications and every 3-4 weeks for interior applications. The fill hole is plugged with a stopper, creating an airtight reservoir.
When the soil is dry (indicating the plants need water), the moisture sensor allows air to pass through the clear tube into the reservoir, allowing water to flow into the container from the water inlet locations along the bottom of the liner. One moisture is all that is required for CWS Planter Liners up to 72"L. The water wicks up through the soil, irrigating the plants.
As the soil becomes moist, the sensor (typically planted 1/3-way down the liner) absorbs water. When wet, it acts like a valve, blocking the flow of air through the tube. A vacuum is created above the reservoir, preventing further watering until the soil dries again.

Overflow drainage adapter – a free-draining overflow adapter for CWS Planter Liners in exterior applications. The adapter allows rainwater to drain, but will prevent irrigation water from overflowing under normal conditions. When nstalled, the overflow drainage adapter allows excess water that builds up (typically rainwater) to escape without disrupting the system.

To Specify

CWS Planter Liners with Built-in Irrigation. Double wall construction with built-in reservoir and vacuum-sensor moisture control. Use model numbers in chart corresponding to correct length, width and depth. CWS Planter Liners are made standard in black, pre-consumer recycled High Impact Polystyrene. A UV protective coating is recommended for surfaces that are exposed to direct sunlight. Painting of the flanges only or the whole unit is available. All flange dimensions listed are nominal, and may be trimmed –1"/+2" from the nominal size.

Model Specifications

Sea Crest Series

Lightweight Planters with Built-in Irrigation, SeaCrest Series lightweight planters with built-in CWS irrigation permit tremendous flexibility with larger site-furnishing sized containers. The CWS irrigation system means minimal maintenance (just refill the water reservoir every 2-4 weeks), and requires no complicated plumbing. An exterior drainage adapter (see reverse side) eliminates stained pavement and removes the need for saucers. Polyethylene double-wall construction is lightweight enough to be moved, but so durable that it will withstand automobile impact.

Applications
The perfect solution for roofdecks, balconies, and difficult-to-irrigate locations. Durable enough for sidewalk or parking lot use. Elegant enough to be used in lobbies and atriums.

Materials/Construction
Seamless, one-piece units formed from cross-link or linear low-density polyethylene. Available in seven rich matrix (faux stone) finishes, and a variety of solid colors. All SeaCrest Series planters have a lightly textured pebbled finish. Will not crack, chip or break in temperatures from -40° to 140°F. SeaCrest Series planters are graffiti resistant, and incorporate the maximum UV inhibitor package. Planters withstand cold weather and freeze/thaw cycles.

SeaCrest™ Lightweight Planter Features
CWS Sub-irrigation senses the moisture level in the container, replenishes the water as needed. Balances moisture and oxygen levels in the soil.
Colored Material (not a coating) - scratches won't show as a different color.
Graffiti resistant finish - just clean up with soap and water or paint thinner.
Incredibly durable despite low weight - easy to install (no forklift or crane required).
Rich matrix finishes such as Buff, Canyon, Mesa, Pumice, Sierra, Quarry and Summit, incorporate the maximum UV protection, reducing fading and discoloration.

Matrix Finish

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CWI

CWI container irrigation solution is designed to be dropped into most cylindrical and slightly tapered decorative containers, for both interior and exterior pots and planters. The CWI uses the proven vacuum-sensor technology to precisely monitor the soil moisture level, irrigating the plant only when the soil starts to dry. It allows for extended hand-watering intervals, typically 2 to 4 weeks for interior plants and 1 to 3 weeks for exterior plants, depending on the plant and the surrounding conditions. The addition of an optional overflow drainage adapter allows for use of CWI in exterior applications, and prevents the drainage of irrigation water during normal use.

* When paying by Money Order or Check (subject to clearance), . Please add Ground Shipping & handling to cost of products. Credit Card Add 3% to total. Inquire for discount schedule on volume purchases. Since we're a high volume distributor, we're passing the savings to you. Please allow a minimum of 2 weeks lead time to process your order as these planters are made to order. Returns will not be honored unless the product is deemed defective by the manufacturer.
** Can be ordered individually when fitted with the optional exterior drainage adapter.
Minimum purchase for CWI self watering planter is $100. NJ residents Please add required sales tax

CWI Classic (CWC)

CWI Classic™ is Planter Technology's container irrigation solution designed to be dropped into most standard vase-shaped and tapered decorative containers, for exterior and interior pots and planters. The CWI Classic uses proven vacuum-sensor technology to precisely monitor the soil moisture level, irrigating the plant only when the soil starts to dry. It allows for extended hand-watering intervals, typically 2-3 weeks for exterior plants, depending on the plant and the surrounding conditions. The CWI Classic integrates an overflow drainage adapter, which allows rainwater to overflow but prevents the drain-off of irrigation water during normal use.

Finally, an irrigation solution for the most maintenance intensive of containers! Planter Technology’s self-contained CWF irrigation system is designed to be dropped into most flower bowls, shallow pots, urns and vases between 18" and 36" in diameter. The hand-filled vacuum-sensor reservoir surrounds the planting area, and holds enough water to last up to 2 weeks before refilling. A tremendous labor savings for always-thirsty color bowls.

Planter Technology’s overflow drainage adapter prevents rainwater from flooding the container, and keeps irrigation water contained during normal use. No more overflowing saucers, stained surfaces, or slip-and-fall liability. The CWF may be fully planted and prepared off-site, and quickly switched out on location. The property owner/manager will appreciate eliminating mess and inconvenience. Lightweight yet extremely durable, it will hold up to the roughest of handling and years of service.

AUTOFILL AUTOMATIC CONTAINER IRRIGATION

AutoFill automatic container irrigation delivers the convenience of automatic irrigation, but with the advantages of sub-irrigation. Each reservoir is controlled by its own patented float valve, which adjusts the water level to allow aeration in the soil, prevents irrigation overflow and evaporation. The reservoir is connected to a <20 psi low-pressure water line or gravity-fed reservoir, and needs no timers, valves, or electricity.

The AutoFill Valve -Awarded the Australian Design Awards "Design Mark for Engineering Design", the AutoFill valve maintains the correct water level in the reservoir through a unique, patented float system.

Unlike most float valves, which keep water at a consistent level, the AutoFill valve opens when water reaches a low point (shown dark blue), and stops when it reaches a maximum point (shown light blue). This allows for proper dry-down of the soil, and optimal plant health.

See a detailed animation of how the AutoFill system works

The Autofill valve opens, filling the reservoir. As reservoir fills, water begins to wick up into soil	AutoFill valve closes when reservoir is full. Plants draw water from soil, which begins depleting reservoir .	As level of water in reservoir drops, soil begins to dry and aeration is allowed through the larger fill ports	AutoFill valve reopens once level of reservoir drops to refill level.

 

* When paying by Money Order or Check (subject to clearance), . Please add Ground Shipping & handling to cost of products. Credit Card Add 3% to total. Inquire for discount schedule on volume purchases. Since we're a high volume distributor, we're passing the savings to you. Please allow a minimum of 2 weeks lead time to process your order as these planters are made to order. Returns will not be honored unless the product is deemed defective by the manufacturer.

Minimum purchase for Autofil self watering planter is $100. NJ residents Please add required sales tax

AutoFill Hanging Basket Program

New container irrigation system for municipal hanging basket programs. Allows for extended maintenance interval, prevents dripping.

Most hanging basket programs are similar – they are a headache for those taking care of them. The impact on the city makes it a point of civic pride that overrides the cost and effort of maintenance. 

Tournesol Siteworks has developed an irrigation solution that addresses the two main problems – labor and run-off. Any irrigation solution has to be able to get a meaningful amount of water for the plants and keep the water level consistent.  It also needs to work within the framework of most common maintenance practices. Water applied to a basket needs to stay there, and not drip down onto a sidewalk or roadway.

Our AutoFill Hanging Basket system can either be filled by hand or through an automatic irrigation line on a timer.  The reservoir can fit directly into the basket, or if that takes up too much soil volume, there is a version that wraps around the most common pole sizes.  The capacity of each system depends upon the type of reservoir, but most programs anticipate that they can double their current maintenance interval without changing equipment. Payback on installation of the system can be just one season.

We use our patented AutoFill valve connected to an automatic irrigation line or a  gravity-feed reservoir to solve the problem.  The AutoFill’s float action allows just the right amount of water from the oversize reservoir to the plants without letting them go dry. The result is a full, healthy basket with a dramatically extended maintenance cycle.

See a detailed animation of how the AutoFill system works        

* When paying by Money Order or Check (subject to clearance), . Please add Ground Shipping & handling to cost of products. Credit Card Add 3% to total. Inquire for discount schedule on volume purchases. Since we're a high volume distributor, we're passing the savings to you. Please allow a minimum of 2 weeks lead time to process your order as these planters are made to order. Returns will not be honored unless the product is deemed defective by the manufacturer.

Minimum purchase for Autofil self watering planter is $100. NJ residents Please add required sales tax

ACCESSORIES:

AFHB-10           The smallest version of the AutoFill Hanging Basket, it integrates the AF-900 right into the bottom of a 10” basket.  This unit requires an automatic irrigation line to function. Optional accessories include a hanging chain or a wall mount bracket.
AFHB-20           A 20” polyethylene hanging basket with integrated hanging chain.  Available in a variety of standard colors.
AFHB-24           A 24” polyethylene hanging basket with integrated hanging chain.  Available in a variety of standard colors.

CWM Modular Container Irrigation System

Get maximum flexibility with CWM container irrigation modules. Use 1 to 5 units to make up systems for virtually any container. The vacuum/sensor system keeps plants at their optimal moisture levels, and the oversize modules provide enough water to allow extended watering.

CWM Modular™ is a versatile container irrigation system designed for use in any large planter, freestanding or otherwise. The hand-filled reservoir system can go 2-3 weeks between fillings. It utilizes Planter Technology’s exclusive vacuum-sensor system to precisely monitor the soil moisture in the container, giving plants exactly the amount of water they need (see below). The CWM provides optimal flexibility for use in virtually any shape planter, will not interfere with lighting or other electrical connections, and requires no plumbing. With the use of a overflow drainage adapter CWM can control run-off of irrigation water – no more overflowing saucers or stained pavers

See a detailed animation of the Manual Fill System

The CWM system consists of several oversize reservoir modules connected together with flexible tubing. It is filled by hand every 2-3 weeks. The fill hole is closed with our exclusive tamper-resistant cap, creating an airtight seal. The upper connecting tubes allow air and vacuum to be transmitted to all modules, the lower connecting tube passes water between the units.

When the soil is dry, the porous moisture sensor allows air to pass through the tube into the reservoir, permitting water to flow into the soil through the holes in the bottom of the "cup" in the CWM. This water wicks up through the soil, watering the plant.

As the soil becomes moist, the sensor (planted _ to 1/3 way down in the container) absorbs water. It closes like a valve, preventing air from passing through the tube. A vacuum is created above the reservoir, preventing further watering until the soil dries again.
The overflow drainage adapter allows excess water that builds up (typically rainwater) to escape without disrupting the system. Underplantings, after a short acclimation period, typically may be watered on the same cycle as the primary planting.

Overflow drainage adapter prevents discharge of irrigation water

 

 

Components of the CWM™ Modular

Fill Module – An adjustable height fill tube allows use of a garden hose or watering wand. One fill module is required in each system.
Sensor Module – The "brains" of the CWM, one unit is needed in each system. Precisely controls water provided to the plant based upon the soil moisture level.
Secondary Module – Intermediate units hold irrigation water. Quantity depends upon size and requirements of planter. Up to 4 units for each system.
Extension Module – A flat module for very large containers. Connected to the front of a CWM.
Connections – Braided flexible PVC tubing and quick-snap nylon hose clamps provide a reliable seal between each module.
Overflow Drainage Adapter – Sealed over each drainage hole in the planter to keep irrigation water in, allow rainwater out.

INSTALLATION INSTRUCTION PRIOR TO PLANTING
For Natural Spring Series, Coronado Box, Sea Crest Series, CWS, CWI, CWF.

Transport: Inspect the planter upon delivery from carrier and note any damage at that time. When transporting empty planters on site carry the planter between two or more people, on 2 or 4 wheel dollies, or move on a pallet. Do not roll the planter on its base rim unless the stopcock drain assembly has been removed from the bottom of the planter.

Soil Mix: Start with evenly moist, good quality professional potting soil. We recommend that it be a "soilless" media composed of approximately :

• Approx. 1/3 Peat Moss
• Approx. 1/3 composted pine, redwood orApprox. 1/3 fir barkpeat moss
• Approx. 1/3 sterilized coarse sand, or combination of perlite and/or vermiculite.

Do not use field soil in these planters. A slow-release fertilizer may be added to the soil mix before planting if desired; however, add at only one quarter of the recommended amount. Before planting, make sure that the soil surrounding the plant's root ball is evenly moist. It is important that the plants are not excessively dry or excessively wet when planting.

Situate the Planter: Move the planter to its final location, remembering to rotate it so that the fill hole and drain stopcock will be accessible both during planting and when the plants have grown. Protect all surfaces near the planter which may be damaged by soil mix, plant container, tools etc. Draping the planter rim and outside walls with a tarp will reduce the clean up effort. Tape the sensor to the outside wall of the planter during planting to avoid hitting any part of the sensor with tools.

Tree Tie-Downs: The SS-5536 and SS-3830 planters come equipped with anchor points for tree tie-down cables. If tie-downs are to be used, then unscrew the protective bolts and replace with the eye bolts that are included with the tie-down package. Remember to attach the tie-downs during the planting process to avoid having to search for the eyebolts later. The three anchor points are located below finished soil level to be as unobtrusive as possible.

Getting the Plant and the Soil in Place

1. Visually inspect the planter. Check that all the inlet discs are held firmly in place by their retainer rings, that the stopcock drain assembly is securely in place, and inspect the entire planter for any other obvious damage. Leave stopper in place to prevent potting soil from entering reservoir.
2. Place a 3" white plastic root confuser disc over each water inlet, and the large drainage pad in place over the brass drain fitting, fabric side down.
3. Unfold the large sheet of soil separator fabric to cover the base of the planter, then use a few shovels of moist potting soil to hold it spread across the bottom. Add more mix to press the edges of the soil separator fabric up the sidewalls of the planter.
4. To install the siphon tube assembly, clear a space near the sidewall (not over a water inlet) and place the 3x3" drain pad either side up. Stand the fabric-wrapped end of the siphon tube on the pad and hold in a vertical position while packing potting soil around it. Once supported by a few inches of potting soil the siphon tube should be able to stand unsupported.
5. Measure the height of the plant rootball. Continue filling the planter with potting soil, (packing firmly by hand and making sure that the siphon tube is standing straight) until the soil level is such that when placed on the soil, the top of the plant's root ball will be about level with the fill hole. Place the plant rootball in the planter and position to your satisfaction.
6. Continue filling the planter with soil mix, making sure to firmly pack the soil mix around the rootball as you go. If tree tie downs are to be installed, attach them to the eye bolts at this stage. Fill with potting soil to the finished soil level.

Sensor Placement

1. Activate the sensor by dipping it in water for a full 15 seconds
2. Use a trowel or similar tool to make a trench from the midpoint between the plant stem/trunk and the planter sidewall to the point where the sensor is attached. The trench should angle down from the planter sidewall.
3. Lay the sensor tube on the bottom of the trench so that the sensor tip is positioned 1/3 to 1/2 way down the height of the planter.

   36" high planter - 8"-12" below surface of soil

   30" high planter - 6"-9" below surface of soil

   22" high planter - 5"-8" below surface of soil

   17" high planter - 4"-7" below surface of soil

   12" high planter - 3"-5" below surface of soil

4. Make sure that there are no kinks in the sensor tube, then cover and fill in around the sensor with potting soil. Firm the soil mix well, especially around the sensor tip, to ensure close contact between the sensor and soil.

Adding Water

Fill the reservoir with water only after checking that the planter and the plant are positioned correctly. Be careful to remove any stray soil mix from around the filler area to prevent soil from getting into the reservoir. Remove the filler stopper, insert a hose and half fill the reservoir with water. Replace the stopper, inserting it firmly and with a twist to ensure that a tight seal is made.

Leave the planter alone to allow the CWS to set up its own watering cycle. Do not frequently pull the stopper to check the reservoir. This interrupts the natural watering cycle and can cause overwatering.

After the initial two or three days, return to check the planter is watering correctly. When the system is functioning, the soil surface should be dry or drying out down to the sensor depth. If the topsoil is still moist, don't pull the stopper. If the soil is dry, a vacuum should be produced in the reservoir- pull the stopper while listening carefully for the sound of air being pulled into the reservoir (it makes a "whooshing" or a "popping" sound).

If the soil surface is wet, no air movement is felt or heard when removing the stopper then consult the section "Trouble Shooting Instructions". If the soil surface is drying out and the air movement can be heard or felt, then the planter has been planted up correctly and is now establishing its own watering cycle. At this point the reservoir may be filled all the way to the top, and the stopper firmly replaced as before.

Underplanting Shallow-Rooted Plants with Larger Plants/Trees

Completely install the larger plant, activate and place the sensor, and fill the reservoir as outlined in the instructions above. Make a note of the depth of the sensor. Excavate spaces for underplantings in container 1" deeper than the underplanting rootballs.

Topwater underplantings regularly to provide the shallower plants with a water source until they have the chance to grow down to the level of the moisture sensor, typically 3-4 weeks. Carefully top water the plants with no more than two cups of water per plant initially, until the plants have had a chance to grow down to the moisture level.

Operation

Water Filling Schedule

Check the reservoir no more than absolutely necessary to determine how much water the plant is using. After 6-8 weeks the plant will have acclimated, and you can estimate typical water usage and be able to work out a filling schedule to minimize maintenance visits. Remember, as seasons change, the filling schedule will also change. Similar or different plants in different locations will demand water at differing rates. Always allow for at least a week's supply of water in the reservoir in case of unusually hot or windy weather. Do not allow the reservoir to run dry between fillings.

Adjust your site visits according to the needs of your thirstiest plants. Top off the reservoirs of all planters at once to be sure that some don't go dry. Take advantage of the Controlled Watering System to streamline your maintenance visits.

Fertilizing

Once the plantings have become established in the planter, or anytime after that, fertilizer may be used. Planter Technology recommends using HM-10 time-release fertilizer for sub-irrigation systems. Add 3 tablespoons of fertilizer every 3-4 months. When using other fertilizer,add water soluble fertilizer directly with the water when filling the reservoir. Use fertilizers at 1/4 recommended strength. Adding fertilizer to the reservoir at full strength may cause severe root and leaf burn. Apply fertilizer in this way three or four times a year at times most beneficial to plant growth.

NOTE: Never use organic type fertilizers. These are not water soluble and also encourage the rapid growth of algae which could reduce the efficient delivery of water into the planter.

Stopcock Drain Assembly

When in normal use, the drain stopcock valve may be left in the closed position. In normal conditions, the planter requires no drainage. If left open, the stopcock will not block any water that may condense in the tube from time to time depending on the weather conditions, which may lead to weepage and staining the surface the planter is on. After exposure to heavy rain or if the planter has been top watered by mistake, the stopcock should be opened to allow excess water to drain away. Proper drainage after rains is critical to the health of the plant. The stopcock is threaded to accommodate a standard hose fitting. By attaching a hose and then opening the stopcock, it is possible to carry the drain water away without wetting the ground around the planter. (When draining the planter in this way make sure that the opposite end of the hose is at a lower level than the drain stopcock.)

The siphon tube is provided as an emergency drain to remove accumulated water from inside the planter. Simply open the top of the tube, and siphon the standing water out.This may need to be repeated several times to get all the water out of the planter.

Using the Tamper Resistant Stopper (TSP-6888, Optional)

Tamper resistant stoppers are used to prevent removal in heavy-traffic locations. The metal topped stopper is opened with a standard hex wrench. To close, hold the stopper firmly in the hole, insert the hex key in the screw top, and turn the hex key clockwise several times until resistance is met. To open, insert hex key and turn counterclockwise 3-4 times. Be sure not to overturn key!

Maintenance

Trouble Shooting the Controlled Watering System Irrigation

1. The soil seems too wet -
   An airtight seal must be maintained in the planter for the CWS to properly function. The most common problems that lead to overwatering include:
   • A loose or improperly seated stopper. It must be firmly twisted down to ensure an airtight seal!
   • Loosely packed soil. Firmly pack the soil, eliminating air pockets. Add extra soil if necessary.
   • Poor soil/sensor contact. Check that the sensor is properly placed, and that soil is firmly packed on top of the trench. Check that the sensor tube is still firmly in its fitting.
   
   After checking the above conditions, allow the planter to function for another week. Recheck to insure that the soil surface is dry or is drying out down to the sensor depth.
2. The soil seems too dry -
   The topsoil in a SeaCrest Series planter will appear dry when the Controlled Watering System is functioning properly. The best way to accurately determine the moisture level is with a soil sample probe. Look to the relative health of the plant for an indication of proper watering - some plants will simply not require much water, and will appear not to use up the reservoir. Even though they may not take up much water, they still may be very healthy. Remember, the planter only waters as the plant uses the water. If things still seem dry:
   • If the reservoir is empty and the soil appears completely dried out, the soil may have lost its ability to absorb water. Moisten from the top (avoiding the sensor area), kneading and stirring the soil if necessary to get the soil to absorb water.

1. The water flows into the container through a number of inlets - check for signs that the soil is being evenly moistened in all areas of the planter.

Long-term Preventative Maintenance for the Controlled Watering System

Like any system., the CWS may require maintenance over time. The sensor tubes, stoppers, inlet disks, and soil separator fabric may need to be changed to keep the CWS functioning as designed. The maintenance required depends upon the careful use of the planter.

RECOMMENDATION:

fill the reservoir with clean water, keeping dirt and other debris out. Over time, algae growth due to dirty water or soil in the container can lead to blockage of the inlet disks at the base of the planter.

Don't allow the reservoir to go dry - this may lead to mineral build up in the water inlet discs, preventing full water flow.

Use Biobarrier squares for plants with aggressive root systems - A plant's roots will naturally seek out a water source. Over time particularly aggressive root systems may go through or around a single layer of fabric, clogging the inlet disk from the container side (preventing water flow). Biobarrier fabric is chemically treated to prevent roots from going into the reservoir.

Should you find that the water level in the reservoir is not dropping, the soil is dry at lower levels and the plant looks like it isn't getting the water it needs, then there may not be enough water making it through the inlet disks. Drain much of the water out of the planter, lower a hose towards the bottom of the planter, and flush the inside with high-pressure water. This may serve to disrupt any debris or blockage on the underside of the disk. If that doesn't solve the problem, add a mineral dissolving agent into the water (such as a decalcifier, etc.), to dissolve minerals that may have built up in the disk, clogging the micropores.

If these solutions don't clear the discs, dig out the plant to prune the roots back. At the same time, replace the inlet disks with new ones and use Biobarriers to ensure that build-up doesn't become a problem.

Keeping the SeaCrest Series Planter Looking Great:

• The SeaCrest Series planter's durable polyethylene construction allows for easy cleanup. A dirty planter, whether covered with graffiti or grime, can be cleaned with hot soapy water and a stiff brush. For paint or more difficult marks, paint thinner may be used.
• The planter's surface can be brought back to a luster using standard furniture polish.